A couple of weeks ago we had some friends over for dinner, and I asked Isaac if he could make burgers. I thought “hey, it’s simple, and I’m craving me a tasty burger!” Little did I know that that evening would change my life forever.

Okay maybe not forever, but I don’t think I’ve ever had such a delicious burger before in my life! You should have heard the four of us at the table, basically oohing and aahing over the juicy meat, perfect seasoning and just-right toppings. It was a little bit pathetic. The burgers were so good, though, that I asked Isaac to make them again just a few days later, and that’s when I decided I needed to figure out his secrets to making the perfect burger.

I thought it had to be the seasoning combination he used, or some sort of dark magic he’s been hiding all these years, but turns out I was wrong. The secret, my friends, is to just keep it simple. I know right- WHAT?! Who would’ve thought that’s all I need to know all these years. Turns out that what I thought was making a delicious burger was, in fact, doing the opposite. Adding tons of ingredients, spices and over-mixing was actually doing more harm than good. Isaac and I were both shocked at how keeping it simple actually made some pretty darn good burgers, and you better believe that’s what we’re sticking to from now on!

Tips on Making the Best Burger Ever

Don’t over-mix… In fact, don’t mix at all!
Instead, just carefully form the burger patties straight from the container and you’re good to go.

Make 1/2 pound patties
You want the width to be the a little wider than the bun and put a little dimple in the middle of the patty on one side to account for the burger shrinking a bit as it cooks.

Salt and pepper both sides
Keep the seasoning simple, and just sprinkle the S&P on the outside of the patty and you’re done.

Preheat a cast iron pan on medium heat
This gets a nice crisp on the outside of the burger and helps cook it more evenly.

Flip onceOnce the first side has formed a nice crust, flip the burger once and cook until a crust has formed on the other side. This will get you the perfect medium burger! For a burger that’s more well done, once you’ve flipped the patty cook with a lid on the skillet.

Don’t smash the burger!!
The minute you “smash” the burger to the skillet you release all the juices that are inside it and create a dry, yucky burger that no one wants to eat.

Pick the right toppings
We love melted cheese on our burgers, and like to put a slice of cheese on the patty when it’s almost done cooking to get it nice and melty. I also LOVE sautéed mushrooms and onions, because they add an amazing flavor to the burger!

And there you have it! The keys to making THE best burger ever. You’re welcome. 😉 But for real, follow these tips and you’ll soon be enjoying a delicious burger that you’ll crave time and time again.

Want a lighter option? Use ground turkey or chicken! Just make sure you cook the burger through all the way and check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Trust me, these tips don’t only apply to beef burgers- Isaac made me the most amazing chicken burger I’ve ever had the other day! SO STINKIN’ GOOD.

In a large cast iron skillet, heat some olive oil to medium high heat.

Split the beef into two and form into a patty- do not mix the meat together, just form into a round patty that is slightly bigger than the size of the buns! Add a dimple in the middle of the burgers.

Season with salt and pepper.

Place the patty on the hot skillet- it should sizzle beautifully! Cook until a crust has formed on the first side, then flip and cook on the other side until a crust has formed there too. This will give you the perfect medium burger.

This is when you'll add the cheese to get it perfectly melted on your burger!

For a more well done burger, cook with a lid on the skillet.

In the meantime, slice the onion into thin strips, and cook with the mushroom and garlic in another skillet until the onions are golden brown and garlic is aromatic.

Assemble your burger!

Notes

*Eat the burger without cheese and bread to make it Whole30 approved! It's JUST as delicious without those toppings- I promise. 😀

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Meet Becca

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I'm Becca Hicks, a sinner saved by grace who loves staying active and eating healthy. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Isaac, and we have an adorable puppy named Lillie.
Here at Happily the Hicks, you will find recipes, fitness tips, and so much more. I hope you enjoy our journey through this crazy adventure we call life.

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